Overpass will attempt to conquer a different Ascot at 10:40pm Tuesday WA time when he contests the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1006m) at England’s royal racetrack.

The Sydney galloper has become a famous WA name over recent seasons, landing two Quokkas and two Winterbottom Stakes in Perth visits.

With $12.5 million in the bank, trainer Bjorn Baker has crafted the Vancouver gelding from a lowly Orange maiden win in country NSW to one of the southern hemisphere’s fastest horses.

“It is amazing to think he started at Orange and has continued to improve every year,’‘ Baker told Racing and Sports.

“He’s been a marvellous horse. He has worked through his grades, and he is a horse we have found through experience that he is best fresh and on top of the ground.’‘

The flashy bay has had only one start this year, choosing to forfeit another Quokka tilt and instead running a game fourth in the T J Smith Stakes behind Joliestar in April.

“His form has been super consistent for a long time now,’‘ Baker said.

“Even this season, he hasn’t won a race, but he’s run well every time. He was fourth in The Everest behind Ka Ying Rising and fourth in the T J Smith Stakes to Joliestar, so that is very good form.

“The one thing you want when you travel with a horse is that they can generally run up to their best level every start and he has done that all his career.

“I’m hoping he can replicate what he has done for a long time now and if that’s the case he should run very well.

“He’s tough, very seasoned now and he’s a good traveller. He’s settled in well and we were happy with his work on Friday.”

Surprisingly, Overpass has endured a 20-month winless run having not tasted success since the 2024 Winterbottom.

Nonetheless, Baker takes optimism from some of his Antipodean predecessors.

“You get confidence from the fact Australian sprinters have done very well at Royal Ascot over the years,’‘ he said.

“This is an international meeting where the Australian sprinters traditionally are hard to beat.

“When you are travelling with a horse to the other side of the world, knowing it has been done before and on numerous occasions give us a bit more confidence.’‘

The $3.50 race favourite will face the starter with fellow Aussie Asfoora ($10), who took out the event in 2024.

“I think Overpass will be OK because he’s an experienced, tough horse these days but win, lose or draw, he doesn’t owe us anything,’‘ Baker said.

“He has been a remarkable prizemoney earner for his owners and has raced well everywhere he goes.

“As much as I want to win The Everest with Overpass, realistically he is just below the absolute best sprinters back home.

“It is hard to see him winning an Everest although I’m confident he would run very well again if we go there later this year.

“But Royal Ascot gives him the chance to shine even brighter than what he has before.’‘